NCAAB News and Notes Tuesday 1/19

SIU Edwardsville Cougars vs. Morehead State Eagles

The SIU Edwardsville Cougars and the Morehead State Eagles will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Ellis Johnson Arena.

Current streak:
SIU Edwardsville has lost 9 straight games.
Morehead State has won 8 straight games.

Team records:
SIU Edwardsville: 2-15 SU, 1-0 ATS
Morehead State: 12-6 SU, 10-4 ATS

SIU Edwardsville most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 1-1
Before playing Robert Morris (Ill) are 0-1
After a loss are 1-9

Morehead State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Eastern Kentucky are 4-6
After playing Eastern Illinois are 5-5
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
SIU Edwardsville is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
SIU Edwardsville is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Morehead State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Morehead State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Morehead State's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Morehead State's last 6 games

Next up:
SIU Edwardsville home to Robert Morris (Ill), Thursday, January 21
Morehead State at Eastern Kentucky, Saturday, January 23

Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

The fans at Value City Arena will be treated to a game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes when they take their seats on Tuesday.

Michael Thompson had 20 points on Saturday night as Northwestern grabbed a 72-64 win over Purdue.

The ranked Boilermakers had been favored by 7 points on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day's posted total (133).

Ohio State is making waves in the Big Ten, beating Wisconsin 60-51 at Value City Arena Saturday.

OSU covered as a 5.5-point home favorite while the final score played UNDER the 124-point total.

Current streak:
Ohio State has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
Northwestern: 13-4 SU, 8-5 ATS
Ohio State: 13-5 SU, 9-9 ATS

Northwestern most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Illinois are 4-6
After playing Purdue are 4-6
After a win are 8-2

Ohio State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing West Virginia are 2-0
After playing Wisconsin are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Northwestern's last 9 games when playing Ohio State
Northwestern is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Ohio State
Northwestern is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Northwestern's last 5 games when playing on the road against Ohio State
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Northwestern
Ohio State is 18-1 SU in its last 19 games when playing Northwestern
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Ohio State's last 9 games when playing Northwestern

Next up:
Northwestern home to Illinois, Saturday, January 23
Ohio State at West Virginia, Saturday, January 23

Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The Clemson Tigers and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

Clemson was badly outplayed in the second half, but managed to hang on and defeat NC State 73-70 on Saturday. Clemson failed to cover the 5-point spread, and the 143 points made it OVER the posted total of 139.

Trevor Booker netted 20 points and hauled down six rebounds, while Jerai Grant and Tanner Smith had 11 apiece in that win.

Georgia Tech built up a 14 point lead at halftime and went on to upset North Carolina 73-71 on Saturday, as 6.5-point underdogs. The game's 144 points went UNDER the posted total of 155.

Iman Shumpert poured in a game-high 30 points to lead the way, and Gani Lawal had 12 points with 12 boards for a double-double in the win.

Current streak:
Clemson has won 3 straight games.

Team records:
Clemson: 15-3 SU, 9-6 ATS
Georgia Tech: 13-4 SU, 8-4 ATS

Clemson most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Duke are 9-1
After playing North Carolina State are 2-8
After a win are 8-2

Georgia Tech most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Florida State are 7-3
After playing North Carolina are 4-6
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
Clemson is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Clemson is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Clemson is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Georgia Tech
Clemson is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Georgia Tech is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
Georgia Tech is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Clemson
Georgia Tech is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Clemson

Next up:
Clemson home to Duke, Saturday, January 23
Georgia Tech at Florida State, Sunday, January 24

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

The fans at Coleman Coliseum will be treated to a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide when they take their seats on Tuesday.

Wayne Chism netted 26 points and helped Tennessee get past Mississippi 71-69 in overtime on Saturday. Tennessee could not cover the 7.5-point spread, while the 140 points went UNDER the posted total of 156.

J.P. Prince added 13 points with eight rebounds and eight assists in that win.

Alabama was defeated 71-59 by Arkansas on Saturday, as a pick'em. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 143.5.

Mikhail Torrance and JaMychal Green had 13 points each in a losing effort for Alabama.

Current streak:
Tennessee has won 6 straight games.
Alabama has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Tennessee: 14-2 SU, 7-5-1 ATS
Alabama: 11-6 SU, 7-7 ATS

Tennessee most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Georgia are 5-5
After playing Mississippi are 3-7
After a win are 8-2

Alabama most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Mississippi State are 7-3
After playing Arkansas are 7-3
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Tennessee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tennessee's last 6 games when playing on the road against Alabama
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tennessee's last 5 games
Tennessee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Alabama's last 5 games
Alabama is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Tennessee
Alabama is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Tennessee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Alabama's last 6 games when playing at home against Tennessee

Next up:
Tennessee at Georgia, Saturday, January 23
Alabama home to Mississippi State, Saturday, January 23

George Mason Patriots vs. Hofstra Pride

The George Mason Patriots and the Hofstra Pride will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Hofstra Arena.

Current streak:
George Mason has won 3 straight games.
Hofstra has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
George Mason: 11-7 SU, 7-7-1 ATS
Hofstra: 9-10 SU, 7-9-1 ATS

George Mason most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Towson State are 8-2
After playing James Madison are 7-3
After a win are 5-5

Hofstra most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-1
Before playing Drexel are 7-3
After playing William & Mary are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
George Mason is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
George Mason is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Hofstra
George Mason is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Hofstra
George Mason is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Hofstra
Hofstra is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Hofstra's last 9 games
Hofstra is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against George Mason
Hofstra is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against George Mason

Next up:
George Mason at Towson State, Saturday, January 23
Hofstra at Drexel, Saturday, January 23

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas A&M Aggies

The fans at Reed Arena will be treated to a game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas A&M Aggies when they take their seats on Tuesday.

Oklahoma erased a five-point deficit to upend Missouri 66-61 on Saturday, as 3.5-point underdogs. The teams played UNDER the posted total of 153.

Willie Warren led Oklahoma with a game-high 21 points, and Cade Davis chipped in with 15 in that win.

Damion James scored 26 points on Saturday as Texas pulled out a 72-67 overtime win over Texas A&M.

The Longhorns failed to cover the 14.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (152.5).

Current streak:
Oklahoma has won 2 straight games.
Texas A&M has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Oklahoma: 11-6 SU, 6-8 ATS
Texas A&M: 12-5 SU, 8-5 ATS

Oklahoma most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Texas Tech are 7-3
After playing Missouri are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

Texas A&M most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Colorado are 5-5
After playing Texas are 9-1
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Oklahoma is 17-3 SU in its last 20 games when playing Texas A&M
Oklahoma is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas A&M
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma's last 5 games when playing Texas A&M
Oklahoma is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Texas A&M
Texas A&M is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas A&M's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas A&M's last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma
Texas A&M is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games

Next up:
Oklahoma at Texas Tech, Saturday, January 23
Texas A&M home to Colorado, Saturday, January 23

Indiana State Sycamores vs. Missouri State Bears

The Indiana State Sycamores and the Missouri State Bears will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at JQH Arena.

Current streak:
Indiana State has lost 2 straight games.
Missouri State has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Indiana State: 11-7 SU, 7-8 ATS
Missouri State: 13-5 SU, 10-7-1 ATS

Indiana State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Northern Iowa are 4-6
After playing Northern Iowa are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3

Missouri State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Creighton are 8-2
After playing Bradley are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana State's last 5 games on the road
Indiana State is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Indiana State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Missouri State
Indiana State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Missouri State is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Indiana State
Missouri State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Missouri State is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing Indiana State
Missouri State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana State

Next up:
Indiana State home to Northern Iowa, Sunday, January 24
Missouri State at Creighton, Sunday, January 24

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini

The fans at University of Illinois Assembly Hall will be treated to a game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini when they take their seats on Tuesday.

Michael Thompson had 20 points on Saturday night as Northwestern grabbed a 72-64 win over Purdue.

The ranked Boilermakers had been favored by 7 points on the road in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day's posted total (133).

Illinois was defeated 73-63 by Michigan State on Saturday, as 11.5-point underdogs. That game's 136 points went UNDER the posted total of 137.

Demetri McCamey collected 15 points and dished out five assists in the loss.

Current streak:
Purdue has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Purdue: 14-3 SU, 7-9-1 ATS
Illinois: 12-6 SU, 6-10 ATS

Purdue most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Michigan are 4-6
After playing Northwestern are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

Illinois most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Northwestern are 4-6
After playing Michigan State are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Purdue's last 6 games when playing Illinois
Purdue is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Purdue's last 7 games on the road
Purdue is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Illinois
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Illinois's last 6 games when playing Purdue
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Illinois's last 5 games
Illinois is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Illinois's last 8 games at home

Next up:
Purdue home to Michigan, Saturday, January 23
Illinois at Northwestern, Saturday, January 23

Boston College Eagles vs. Miami Hurricanes

The Boston College Eagles and the Miami Hurricanes will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at BankUnited Center.

Boston College was dumped 73-57 by Maryland on Saturday, as 1.5-point favorites. That game's 130 points went UNDER the posted total of 144.

Corey Raji shot 5-for-8 from the field with 14 points for Boston College in the loss.

Miami ran into a red-hot Virginia program, losing 75-57 at John Paul Jones Arena Saturday.

Virginia covered as a 2.5-point home favorite while the final score PUSHED with the 132-point total.

Current streak:
Boston College has lost 3 straight games.
Miami has lost 2 straight games.

Team records:
Boston College: 10-8 SU, 5-9 ATS
Miami: 15-3 SU, 6-4 ATS

Boston College most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Virginia Tech are 5-5
After playing Maryland are 4-3
After a loss are 6-4

Miami most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Maryland are 4-4
After playing Virginia are 3-4
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Boston College is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston College's last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Boston College is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Miami
Boston College is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Miami is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston College
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston College

Next up:
Boston College at Virginia Tech, Saturday, January 23
Miami at Maryland, Tuesday, January 26

Northern Iowa Panthers vs. Wichita State Shockers

The Northern Iowa Panthers and the Wichita State Shockers will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Charles Koch Arena.

Current streak:
Northern Iowa has won 15 straight games.

Team records:
Northern Iowa: 16-1 SU, 12-4 ATS
Wichita State: 16-3 SU, 7-5 ATS

Northern Iowa most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Indiana State are 7-3
After playing Indiana State are 6-4
After a win are 10-0

Wichita State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Drake are 4-6
After playing Creighton are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
Northern Iowa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Northern Iowa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Northern Iowa's last 8 games
Northern Iowa is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Wichita State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Wichita State is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
Wichita State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wichita State's last 7 games

Next up:
Northern Iowa at Indiana State, Sunday, January 24
Wichita State at Drake, Saturday, January 23

San Diego State Aztecs vs. Utah Utes

The San Diego State Aztecs and the Utah Utes will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Huntsman Center.

San Diego State knocked off TCU 67-62 at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl Saturday.

TCU covered as a 13-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 129-point total.

Utah added another win with a 73-69 victory over UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center Saturday.

Utah covered as an 11.5-point road underdog while the final score played OVER the 134.5-point total.

Team records:
San Diego State: 13-5 SU, 8-8 ATS
Utah: 9-8 SU, 6-8 ATS

San Diego State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing BYU are 8-2
After playing TCU are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

Utah most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Air Force are 5-5
After playing UNLV are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
San Diego State is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego State's last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego State's last 6 games on the road
San Diego State is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games when playing Utah
Utah is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against San Diego State
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing San Diego State
Utah is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home

Next up:
San Diego State home to BYU, Saturday, January 23
Utah home to Air Force, Saturday, January 23

Super Tuesday
By Brian Edwards

Gamblers have nine board games on Tuesday's college hoops agenda. The red-hot Tennessee Volunteers are back in action on ESPN, venturing to Tuscaloosa to face an Alabama squad under the direction of a new leader. Later in the night, Purdue will try to snap out of its three-game funk. Let's take a look at what's available on tonight's betting slate.

**Tennessee at Alabama**

--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Tennessee (14-2 straight up, 7-5-1 against the spread) as a two-point favorite. As of early this morning, most betting shops have the Volunteers favored by 2 1/2.

--During Jerry Green’s tenure from 1997-2001, Tennessee went to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments, yet Green was run out of town because his players became an embarrassment to the school with their behavior both on and off the court. During Bruce Pearl’s tenure, the Vols’ basketball program has been to the Big Dance in all four years, too. But Pearl’s reign with the Volunteers was a feel-good story up until the New Year’s Day arrest of four players in a car that smelled like weed and also had open containers of alcohol and two guns, one with an altered serial number. Nevertheless, Pearl’s story in Knoxville isn’t going down the road followed by Green’s, nor is it coming to an end anytime soon. And that’s because of what has happened since the unfortunate event.

--For starters, Pearl and the school wasted no time in dismissing senior Tyler Smith from the program after he took the fall for both guns in the car. Next, Cameron Tatum and Melvin Goins passed drug tests and after missing three games, will return to the team against Alabama. Brian Williams has taken the blame for the marijuana and remains suspended indefinitely (but with the possibility of returning to the team later this season).

--Most telling, however, has been what Tennessee has done on the court since the New Year’s Day Drama unfolded. Playing with just six scholarship players, the Vols returned to the court and spanked Charlotte 88-71 as 13 ½-point home favorites. Next, they knocked off previously-unbeaten and top-ranked Kansas on national television. Nine days ago, KU came into Thompson-Boling Arena and lost 76-68 as a five-point road favorite.

--In the win over KU, Pearl got a huge boost from one of his walk-ons. With UT nursing a three-point lead in the final minute, Skylar McBee found himself with the ball on the left wing with his dribble picked up. He had no idea the shot clock was about to expire until the noise from the crowd let him know. At that time, he promptly pivoted and leaned into a somewhat desperate heave that found nothing buy nylon as the shot-clock horn sounded. McBee’s heroics were the icing on the cake for the Vols, who hooked up money-line backers with a plus-190 payout (risk $100 to win $190). Scotty Hopson had a team-high 17 points against the Jayhawks, but Bobby Maze was the catalyst for UT. Maze finished with 16 points, eight assists and seven rebounds and just two turnovers despite doing all the ball handling.

--Coming off the win over Kansas, it was only natural for handicappers like me to anticipate a letdown performance by UT in this past Thursday’s home game against Auburn as a heavy favorite, right? The fact that Thursday was also the same day the city of Knoxville was in panic mode over the search for the school’s next football coach only added to this handicappers’ opinion that not only would the team be flat, but the home crowd, too. That line of thinking actually seemed correct, at least in the first half, as Auburn jumped out to an early lead and was in control until a UT run in the final minutes gave it a 38-37 advantage at intermission. The Vols dominated the second half, however, and took out the Tigers 81-55 to hook up their backers as 14-point home ‘chalk.’ Maze had 14 points, nine assists and only one turnover for the winners.

--Tennessee won its sixth straight game Saturday, beating Ole Miss 71-69 in overtime. The Rebels covered the spread, though, taking the cash as seven-point road underdogs. Despite the extra session, the 140 combined points still stayed ‘under’ the 153-point total. Senior center Wayne Chism was the hero for UT, producing 26 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and a pair of blocked shots.

--Alabama (11-6 SU, 6-7 ATS) has dropped back-to-back games after winning its conference opener 66-49 at LSU. Since then, the Crimson Tide has lost a gut-wrenching 65-64 decision to Vanderbilt in Tuscaloosa before going down Saturday at Arkansas. The Razorbacks thumped ‘Bama by a 71-59 count as 1 ½-point home favorites. Mikhail Torrance had 15 points and five assists in the losing effort.

--Anthony Grant is in his first year as head coach at Alabama, replacing Mark Gottfried, who took the Tide to its only Elite Eight appearance but whose tenure went south along with the injuries to Ronald Steele. Grant enjoyed an excellent three-year run at Virginia Commonwealth, taking the Rams to a pair of NCAA Tournaments and an NIT appearance. In Grant’s first year at VCU, his team beat Duke in the first round before missing out on the Sweet 16 in an overtime loss to Pittsburgh. VCU lost by one, yet covered the spread, in a first-round loss to UCLA last season. Before his first head-coaching gig at VCU, Grant was an assistant under Billy Donovan at both Florida and Marshall for more than a decade. He played at Miami Senior, the same high-school program that produced Udonis Haslem, Gimel Martinez and the Edwards Bros – Doug (FSU), Steve (Miami) and Allen (Kentucky), so expect Grant to begin plucking Alabama recruits from out of the fertile South Florida area.

--The Tide is 7-3 SU and 2-4 ATS at home. This is its second home underdog spot. ‘Bama led Purdue for the first 35 minutes of their non-conference meeting at Coleman Coliseum, but a late second-half run by the Boilermakers propelled them to a 73-65 win as six-point road favorites.

--Alabama is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 head-to-head meetings against Tennessee.

--The ‘under’ has cashed in five straight Alabama games. For the season, the Tide has seen the ‘under’ go 10-3 overall, 5-1 in its home games.

--The ‘under’ is 7-2 overall for the Vols, 2-1 in their road assignments.

--ESPN will have television coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Clemson at Georgia Tech**

--LVSC opened Ga. Tech (13-4 SU, 8-4 ATS) as a 3 1/2-point home favorite.

--Paul Hewitt’s team is out to a 2-2 start in ACC play. The Yellow Jackets lost at Virginia last week and dropped a home game to FSU in December. Ga. Tech bounced back from the loss in Charlottesville by winning Saturday in Chapel Hill for the first time in more than a decade. The Jackets held off the Tar Heels after giving up a 20-point lead, prevailing 73-71 as 6 ½-point road underdogs. Zachery Peacock hit a floater in the lane for the go-ahead bucket with 25.7 seconds to lift this team into the win column. Iman Shumpert scored 17 of his game-high 30 points in the first half and also had six assists and four rebounds for the Jackets.

--Clemson (15-3 SU, 9-6 ATS) has won three straight ACC games since losing its league opener in embarrassing fashion at Duke. The Tigers are off Saturday’s 73-70 non-covering win at North Carolina St. as five-point road ‘chalk.’ Trevor Booker had a team-high 20 points to pace the winners in Raleigh.

--Oliver Purnell’s team has only found itself in the underdog role once this year. That came in the aforementioned loss at Duke when the Blue Devils ran the Tigers out of Cameron Indoor Stadium in a 74-53 romp as 11 ½-point home favorites.

--Ga. Tech has won eight of its nine home games at Alexander Memorial Coliseum, formerly known as the “Thriller Dome” back during Bobby Cremins’ illustrious tenure that produced NBA stars like Mark Price, Kenny Anderson, Dennis Scott and Matt Harpring. The Jackets are 3-1 ATS in four lined home games this year.

--Clemson junior guard Demontez Stitt is “doubtful” after injuring his foot in Saturday’s win at N.C. St. Stitt averages 11.3 points and 3.7 assists per game for the Tigers.

--Ga. Tech owns a 3-3 spread record in six single-digit ‘chalk’ spots.

--Clemson won both regular-season meetings between these ACC adversaries last season. However, the Jackets sent the Tigers packing at last year’s ACC Tournament, capturing an 86-81 triumph as 8 ½-point underdogs.

--The ‘under’ is 9-4 overall for Clemson, 4-2 when it leaves Littlejohn Coliseum.

--The ‘under’ is 6-5 overall for Ga. Tech, 3-1 in its home games.

--Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.

**Purdue at Illinois**

--LVSC opened Purdue (14-3 SU, 7-9-1 ATS) as a two-point favorite. As of early this morning, most books had the Boilermakers listed as three-point 'chalk.'

--Matt Painter’s squad won its first 14 games, only to drop three in a row all of a sudden. Purdue is looking to bounce back from Saturday’s 72-64 loss at Northwestern as an eight-point road favorite. E’Twaun Moore and Robbie Hummel had 24 and 20 points, respectively, but no other Boilers scored in double figures.

--Illinois (12-6 SU, 6-11 ATS) won its first three Big Ten games before losing 73-63 Saturday at Michigan St. The Illini covered the spread, however, as an 11 ½-point road underdog. Demetri McCamey had a team-high 15 points before fouling out in East Lansing.

--Bruce Weber’s team is unbeaten in 10 home games, going 4-5 versus the number.

--The ‘under’ has cashed in four consecutive games for Illinois. However, the ‘over’ is 10-4 overall for the Illini, 5-2 in its home games.

--The ‘over’ is 9-5 overall for Purdue, cashing in each of its last three outings.

--The 'over' is 5-1 in the last six head-to-head meetings between these schools.

--ESPN will have the telecast at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--With Texas losing at Kansas St. last night, Kentucky is the nation’s lone remaining unbeaten team.

--As of early this morning, Northwestern was a 10 ½-point underdog for tonight's game at Ohio State. The Wildcats and Buckeyes both beat Purdue last week. The Wildcats are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games as underdogs. They are 5-0 ATS when catching six points or more this year. The ‘under’ is 8-1 in the last nine Ohio St.-Northwestern meetings. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. Eastern on the Big Ten Network (ch. 610 on Direct TV).

--As of early this morning, most books had Wichita St. as a three-point home favorite vs. No. Iowa. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPNU. The Panthers, who are 16-1 overall and 7-0 in Missouri Valley Conference action, have an RPI of 16. The Shockers are 16-3 overall, 5-2 in MVC play.

--Miami will be looking for revenge tonight when it hosts Boston College. The Hurricanes lost their first game of the season 61-60 at BC on Dec. 6. They are 6 ½-point home favorites against the Eagles, who have lost four of their last five games. UM is unbeaten in nine home games, posting a 1-1 spread record in the two lined outings.

--Syracuse went into the Joyce Center last night and collected an 84-71 win over Notre Dame as a three-point road favorite. The 155 combined points stayed 'under' the 158-point total. Wesley Johnson paced the Orange with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Luke Harangody had 29 points and 14 boards in the losing effort.

--Five storied programs that’ll be lucky to get a CBI invite: UCLA, Indiana, Iowa, Arizona and LSU.

vegasinsider.com

Northwestern (13-4, 9-4 ATS) at (21) Ohio State (13-5, 9-9 ATS)

Northwestern hopes to capitalize on Saturday’s big upset win over Purdue when it pays a visit to Value City Arena for a Big Ten battle with Ohio State, which re-entered the Top 25 this week.

The Wildcats lost three of their first four conference games (2-2 ATS), including Wednesday’s 60-50 home loss to No. 13 Wisconsin as a three-point underdog. But on Saturday, they stunned sixth-ranked Purdue 72-64 as an eight-point home pup. Michael Thompson (20 points) led three players in double-digit scoring, with Luka Mirkovic contributing a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds), and Northwestern had a big 31-20 rebounding edge and held the Boilermakers to 35 percent shooting (5-for-23 from three-point land).

Ohio State also upset Purdue last week, rallying from a 10-point late second-half deficit to win 70-66 as a nine-point road underdog. Then the Boilermakers came home Saturday and took out Wisconsin 60-51, cashing as a 5½-point home chalk. Ohio State is 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four games, including winning and covering its first two conference home contests. Thad Matta’s squad is 11-0 (7-4 ATS) at Value City Arena, outscoring visitors by an average of 28 ppg (82-54) and outshooting them 53.2 percent to 37.1 percent.

Ohio State has won 18 of the last 19 meetings in this rivalry overall and the Buckeyes have defeated the Wildcats 26 straight times in Columbus going back to February 1977. Northwestern’s lone recent win against Ohio State came last year, a 72-69 victory as a 1½-point home favorite, followed two weeks later by a 52-47 loss at Ohio State, but the Wildcats again cashed as a six-point road ‘dog. Northwestern is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings and 6-2 ATS in the last eight, going 3-1 ATS at Value City Arena.

Northwestern is on ATS runs of 8-2 overall, 5-0 on the road (all as an underdog), 6-2 as an underdog regardless of venue, 15-5-1 as a road pup of seven to 12½ points and 7-1 after a SU victory. The Buckeyes have failed to cash in seven of their last 10 overall and five of six after an outright win, but they’re also 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 Tuesday contests and 7-2 ATS in their last nine when laying seven to 12½ points.

The Wildcats carry “under” trends of 10-4 after a victory, 7-3 after a spread-cover and 8-1 against winning teams, but the over is 15-7 in their last 22 Big Ten contests and 5-1 in their last six as a pup of seven to 12½ points. Ohio State is on “under” rolls of 5-0 at home, 5-0 as a favorite, 9-3 in Big Ten play and 5-0 after a victory, but the Buckeyes have topped the total in 10 of 14 on Tuesday.

Finally, eight of the last nine Northwestern-Ohio State clashes have stayed under the total, with the last four in Columbus falling short of the posted price.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

(17) Clemson (15-3, 9-6 ATS) at (19) Georgia Tech (13-4, 8-4 ATS)

Two teams that knocked off defending-champion North Carolina last week get together at Alexander Memorial Coliseum, where Georgia Tech hosts the red-hot Tigers.

Clemson ripped North Carolina 83-64 as a five-point home favorite Wednesday, then went to North Carolina State on Saturday and jumped out to a 45-28 halftime lead but barely held off the Wolfpack 73-70, coming up short as a five-point chalk. The Tigers have won three in a row (2-1 ATS) and are 8-1 in their last nine contests (7-2 ATS).

The Yellow Jackets also built a huge first-half lead on Saturday, taking a 42-28 advantage into the locker room at North Carolina, and they too barely escaped with a 73-71 upset win as a 6½-point road underdog. Georgia Tech has alternated SU and ATS wins and losses in its last five games, and the last two victories were monster upsets as they knocked off North Carolina and Duke (71-67 as a seven-point home pup).

These teams met three times last year, with Clemson winning the two regular-season contests (73-59 as a 13-point home favorite and 81-73 as a seven-point road chalk) and the Yellow Jackets getting revenge in the ACC Tournament with an 86-81 upset win as an 8½-point pup. Prior to the Tigers’ eight-point victory in Atlanta last February, the home team had won six straight in this rivalry (5-1 ATS). The winner has cashed in each of the last six meetings.

In addition to cashing in seven of its last nine outings overall, Clemson is on positive pointspread streaks of 9-1-1 as a road underdog of less than seven points, 5-0 on Tuesday, 6-2 versus winning teams and 5-2 after a SU victory. On the flip side, the Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games and 2-5 ATS in their last seven after a non-cover.

Georgia Tech is on ATS runs of 12-4 overall, 4-1 at home, 6-2 in ACC play, 10-4 versus winning teams, 9-4 after a SU victory, 6-2 after a spread-cover and 6-2 as a favorite, but the Jackets have failed to cash in eight of 11 as a home favorite and four straight on Tuesday.

The under is on stretches of 4-1 for the Tigers overall, 4-1 for the Tigers against winning teams, 4-1 for Georgia Tech at home and 4-1 for Georgia Tech in ACC action. Conversely, the over is on streaks of 11-4 for Clemson on the road, 11-3 for Clemson as an underdog, 10-2 for Clemson as a road pup and 5-0 for the Yellow Jackets following a spread-cover.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

(20) Northern Iowa (16-1, 12-4 ATS) at Wichita State (16-3, 7-4-1 ATS)

Back in the Top 25 for the first time since 2006 and just the second time in school history, Northern Iowa puts a 15-game winning streak on the line when it visits the Shockers, who bring a perfect home record into this Missouri Valley Conference clash.

The Panthers won their 15th in a row in dominating fashion Saturday, pounding Indiana State 62-40 as a 13-point home favorite, holding the Sycamores to 27.3 percent shooting. Northern Iowa is third in the nation in scoring defense, yielding just 54.9 ppg, including 51 ppg in seven Missouri Valley contests. Four of those seven conference foes have failed to crack 50 points against the Panthers.

Wichita State’s five-game SU and ATS winning streak ended in heartbreaking fashion Saturday, as it fell 57-56 at Creighton, pushing as a one-point road ‘dog. The Shockers are 11-0 inside Koch Arena, having outscored their visitors by 19.2 ppg, and they’ve won 20 of 21 at home going back to last season.

The Panthers have won three straight and seven of the last eight against Wichita State, but the teams have split the cash in their last six meetings. Last year, the home team swept the season series, with Northern Iowa rolling 78-54 as a three-point home favorite followed by the Shockers’ 69-61 victory as a one-point home pup. The host has won the last three meetings (2-1 ATS) after the visitor had gone 6-1 SU and ATS in the previous seven clashes.

Also in this rivalry, the underdog is on a 10-2 ATS roll, the visitor is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 (with the Panthers cashing in five of their last six trips to Wichita), and the winner has covered in 24 of the last 25 head-to-head matchups.

Northern Iowa owns one of the best pointspread records in college basketball and is also on lengthy ATS runs of 28-10 overall, 15-3 on the road, 56-24 as an underdog, 46-20 as a road pup, 10-1 when catching less than seven points on the road, 20-7 in MVC contests and 20-6 versus winning teams.

The Shockers also sport a bevy of pointspread runs, including 5-0-1 overall (all in conference), 4-0 as a favorite, 6-2 when laying less than seven points and 5-0 after a SU defeat, but they have failed to cover in seven of their last 10 on Tuesday and five of their last seven against winning teams.

It’s been all “unders” lately for the Panthers, who are riding low-scoring runs of 4-0 overall (all in the MVC), 4-0 on the road, 36-15-1 as an underdog, 5-0 as a road pup, 12-2 after a SU win and 18-7-1 on Tuesday. The under is also 5-2 in Wichita State’s last seven overall and 7-2 in its last nine conference games. However, the last four matchups between these teams have gone over the posted price.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTHERN IOWA and UNDER

NCAAB News and Notes

Tuesday, January 19

Information on Tuesday's college basketball games........

Clemson won six of last nine games vs Georgia Tech, winning the first matchup in each of last four years- they got upset 86-81 by Tech in the ACC tourney LY. Tigers won last three games by 16-19-3 points. Tech is 2-2 in ACC, beating Duke/UNC, losing to Florida State/Virginia- that makes no sense. ACC home favorites are 10-10 against the spread.

Ohio State is 2-0 in Big 11 home games, winning by 25 vs Indiana, 9 vs Wisconsin; Buckeyes won nine of last ten games vs Northwestern, with Wildcats losing last six visits here by 8-13-9-32-11-5 points. Wildcats are 5-0 vs spread when getting 6+ points this year; they're 2-0 as Big 11 road dog- their Big 11 losses are by 6-21-10. Big 11 road dogs are 7-11.

Home team won six of last eight George Mason-Hofstra games; Mason lost three of last four visits here, winning in OT in last visit, two years ago. Patriots are 6-1 in CAA, 2-1 on road, losing at Northeastern; they're 3-1 as CAA dog. Hofstra lost last three games by 11-13-7 points; they are 1-2 at home in league. CAA home favorites are 9-19 vs spread.

Tennessee won three of last four games vs Alabama, whacking Tide by 24 in SEC tourney LY; this is Vols' first road game since suspensions, so unsure how they'll react here. Alabama scored 61.5 ppg in losing its last two games, losing SEC home opener by point to Vandy. Underdogs are 11-5 vs spread in SEC play, 2-2 at home.

Missouri State lost four of last five games after 12-1 start; they've been down 15+ points at half in three of last four. Bears lost to Indiana State twice LY; win at Springfield was Sycamores' first in last six tries, with losses by 6-24-20-19-21 points. Favorite covered six of last eight series games. Favorite is 7-0 vs spread in Indiana State's MVC games.

Favorite is 5-2 vs spread in last seven Oklahoma State-A&M games, as Cowboys lost three of last four visits here, losing by 2-18-12 pts. OSU lost last three road games by 4-5-13 points. Aggies lost in OT at Texas last game, after leading by 9 at half; keep in mind Roland is out for year, and he was team leader. Big 12 home favorites are 8-3 vs spread.

Illinois won three of last four games vs Purdue; they're 4-1 in Big 11, 3-0 at home, winning by 6-1-17 points. Underdog is 4-1 vs spread in their league games (Illini 2-0 as dog this year). Boilers started season 13-0, but lost last two games, to Wisconsin/Ohio State. Big 11 home underdogs are 6-5 against the spread this season.

Home side won last five Northern Iowa-Wichita State games; Panthers lost last two visits here by 3-8 points. These are two best MVC teams. UNI won its last 14 games; they're 6-0 in Valley, winning road games at Creighton-So Illinois-Illinois State. Shockers won, covered their last five games, with four wins by 11+ points. MVC home favorites are 13-10.

Miami (+4.5) lost 61-60 at Boston College Dec 6, getting outscored 18-5 on foul line in game that BC had 20 offensive rebounds. BC is 1-4 so far in January, losing last three ACC games by 16-20-16 points, averaging just 57.3 ppg. Miami is 1-3 in ACC, with only win by point over Wake. Eagles lost last two visits here by 13-11 points.

Home side won last six San Diego State-Utah games; Aztecs lost five of six at Utah, dropping last three here by 6-6-12 points- they lost last two road games, by hoop at Wyoming, 10 at UNLV, same team Utah upset on Strip Saturday. Utes won four of last five games, beating TCU by 20 in MWC home opener. MWC home favorites are 6-7 vs spread.

Tips and Trends

Clemson Tigers at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Tigers: Clemson has won 9 of their past 10 games SU, with their only loss coming from the hands of Duke. After losing their league opener, Clemson has won 3 consecutive league games, all as the listed favorite. The Tigers last win over N.C. State was important, as Clemson had lost their previous 14 games SU after beating a nationally ranked team. The Tigers are 15-3 SU and 9-6 ATS this season. Clemson is 6-2 SU and 3-5 ATS away from home this season. Today is only the 2nd time this season the Tigers have been the listed underdog, with the only other time being against Duke. This Clemson offense is electric, as they average nearly 80 PPG this season. F Trevor Booker leads the team in scoring at 15.4 PPG this season. 2 other Tigers average double digits in PTS, Guards Demontez Stitt and Tanner Smith. The Tigers have only allowed an average of 62 PPG this season.

Clemson is 7-1-1 ATS last 9 games as a road underdog up to 6.5 points.
Over is 10-2 last 12 games as a road underdog.

Key Injuries - G Demontez Stitt (foot) is doubtful.
F Jonah Baize (foot) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 73 (Side of the Day)

Yellow Jackets (-3, O/U 142): Georgia Tech comes into their game tonight sky high, as they won in North Carolina for the 1st time since 1996. The Yellow Jackets are 13-4 SU and 8-4 ATS on the year. Georgia Tech is 8-1 SU and 3-1 ATS at home this season. Their only SU loss at home came in overtime to Florida St. The Yellow Jackets are 6-2 ATS this season as the listed favorite. F Gani Lawal leads Georgia Tech in scoring and rebounding, averaging 15 PPG and 9 RPG this season. Lawal has struggled over his past 2 games, as he was limited to 12 PTS in both contests. 4 other Yellow Jackets average double digits in PTS, notably F Derrick Favors. The future NBA lottery pick is averaging 11.5 PPG while shooting better than 58% from the field. The Yellow Jackets have revenge on their mind, as they lost both meetings against Clemson last year.

Yellow Jackets are 3-8 ATS last 11 games as a home favorite.
Under is 7-1 last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Key Injuries - F Kammeron Holsey (knee) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 69

Purdue Boilermakers at Illinois Fighting Illini

Boilermakers (-3, O/U 137): After starting the season a perfect 14-0 SU, Purdue has lost their past 3 games SU. The Boilermakers were the listed favorite in each of those contests. Purdue has yet to be an underdog this season, with today's spread the 3rd lowest number the Boilermakers have faced. Purdue is 6-2 SU and 2-5-1 ATS away from home this season. The Boilermakers are 3-3-1 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. Purdue is also 1-4 ATS against conference opponents so far this season. Purdue has also struggled against Illinois, having lost 3 of the past 4 games against them SU. A big reason why Purdue has struggled in Big Ten play is rebounding. The Boilermakers have been outrebounded in each league game thus far. Guard E'Twaun Moore and F Robbie Hummel both average more than 15 PPG for the Boilermakers this year. Purdue only allows 61 PPG, but have allowed 3 straight opponents to score at least 70 PTS.

Purdue is 2-8 ATS last 10 games as a road favorite.
Over is 5-1 last 6 games as a road favorite.

Key Injuries - F Sandi Marcius (foot) is out.
G Lewis Jackson (suspension) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 72 (OVER - Total of the Day)

Fighting Illini: Illinois lost their first league game against Michigan St. in their last game. Certainly coming home will greatly enhance their chance for success as they are 10-0 SU at home this season. Despite the 10-0 SU gaudy record, the Fighting Illini are only 4-5 ATS at home this season. Illinois is 2-1 ATS this season as the listed underdog. Overall, Illinois is 12-6 SU and 6-11 ATS this season. Despite scoring 66 PTS or less in their last 4 games, the Fighting Illini are 3-1 SU. 4 Illini players average double figures in PTS, with Demetri McCamey leading the way with nearly 15 PPG. C Mike Tisdale and F Mike Davis are an imposing duo, as they combine for 23.4 PPG and 15.5 RPG. Illinois is an impressive rebounding team, as they are 2nd in the Big 10 averaging 38 RPG. Illinois has held 3 of their past 4 opponents to 60 PTS of fewer. Only 1 of Illni's 10 opponents at home have scored more than 70 PTS.

Illinois are 0-4 ATS last 4 games as a home underdog.
Over is 8-1 last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Key Injuries - F Joseph Bertrand (knee) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 71